The Netherlands back on track with brilliant World Cup win over Bangladesh
Published at 28 October, 2023At the Cricket World Cup in India, the Netherlands caused a second upset by beating Bangladesh. The Netherlands started with 229 runs. Not a lot at first glance, but thanks to fantastic bowling it turned out to be enough for the win as Bangladesh only managed 142 runs.
After the defeat against Australia, there were some cynical comments in the international media. However, the Netherlands straightened its back and recorded a well-deserved victory.
With Wesley Barresi in the team for Teja Nidamanuru and Shariz Ahmad for the ill Van der Merwe, the Dutch opted to bat first. The openers were gone with just four runs on the scoreboard. Ackermann and Barresi recovered with a partnership of 59 for the third wicket.
Barresi (41) showed his class with some perfectly timed shots and seemed to be on his way to a great 50, but misjudged a slower delivery from Mustafizur Rahman. Shortly after, Ackermann (15) followed and it was 63/4.
Scott Edwards was dropped on zero in the gully and one ball later by the keeper. It was difficult to get runs due to varied bowling and surprisingly good ground fielding. Edwards and De Leede (17) made 44 runs for the fifth wicket. Edwards (again top scorer with 68) and Sybrand Engelbrecht (35) added to that with a well-made 78-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
The scoring rate was a bit slow - around four runs per over - but by adding 74 runs in the last ten overs, the Netherlands gave themselves a chance. Thanks to a cameo by Logan van Beek (23 off sixteen balls), the Dutch set Bangladesh a target of 230 runs.
Bangladesh innings
Dutch fans had to hope for an early breakthrough. That came when Aryan Dutt got Litton Das caught behind. Van Beek did the same with Tanzid Hasan.
Edwards was once again brilliant with his bowling changes. Paul van Meekeren had immediate results when Van Beek grabbed a super sharp slip catch and Bas de Leede - also successful in his first over - gave Edwards his fourth catch behind the wicket. When Paul van Meekeren bowled Mushfiqur Rahim with an offcutter beauty, it was 70/6 and Bangladesh had their backs against the wall.
Much now depended on the pair of Mahmudullah - the man in form - and Mahedi. They worked meticulously on what should become the crucial partnership. However, Bas de Leede ran Mahedi (17) out with a great direct hit (108/7).
Mahmudullah did not live up to his reputation and was dismissed for 21. While disappointed Bangladeshis left Eden Gardens en masse, Man of the Match Paul van Meekeren (4-23 in 7.2) took the last wicket. The other bowlers also had excellent figures thanks to admirable discipline and variation: Dutt 1-26, Van Beek 1-30, Ackermann 1-25 and De Leede 2-25.
On Friday, November 3, the Netherlands will play against Afghanistan in Lucknow.
Photo credit: ICC/Getty
